Will Decathlon Triple Local Sourcing in India and Create 3 Lakh Jobs by 2030?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Decathlon plans to triple local sourcing in India by 2030.
- Goal to create over 3 lakh jobs in the country.
- Current local sourcing stands at 70 percent.
- Focus on high-potential categories like footwear and fitness equipment.
- Part of the 'Make in India' initiative.
New Delhi, July 30 (NationPress) The global sports retailer Decathlon has revealed plans to enhance its local sourcing in India to $3 billion by 2030, aligning with the 'Make in India' initiative. The company aims to generate over 3 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities within its manufacturing ecosystem by 2030.
On the occasion of its 25th anniversary in India, Decathlon’s decision underscores its commitment to Indian manufacturing, as stated in a company release. Currently, India accounts for 8 percent of Decathlon's global product supply.
The company intends to elevate this to 15 percent, focusing on high-potential sectors such as footwear, fitness equipment, and cutting-edge sports textiles.
Decathlon sources over 70 percent of the merchandise in its 132 Indian stores from local suppliers, with a goal to increase this to 90 percent by 2030. Their manufacturing network comprises 113 facilities, 83 suppliers, 7 production offices, and a design center.
“Our commitment to quality and agility in local production has enabled us to enhance retail offerings and provide a broader Made in India selection. We emphasize excellence as we transition into omni-channel retail and strive to make sports more accessible to the Indian population,” stated Decathlon India CEO Sankar Chatterjee.
India’s industrial capabilities are transforming Decathlon's global supply chain, particularly in culturally significant sports like Yoga and Cricket, which are now entirely conceived and produced in India for various markets.
“India has evolved into a vital component of our global production,” commented Frederic Merlevede, the global production chief. Decathlon aims to fuse production and retail in over 90 Indian cities by 2030, the statement revealed.
The Union Cabinet recently approved the ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ initiative to enhance the domestic production of sports goods. Currently, India exports 60 percent of its sporting goods. Despite the global sports industry generating about $600 billion annually, India’s share remains limited, and even modest advancements in this area could unlock significant economic and social benefits.